25 Compelling Facts You Should Know About David Bowie

Born on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, south London, David Bowie’s musical talent was clear from an early age. Despite starting his career by playing in local pubs and clubs, “The Thin White Duke” was meant to conquer the world of music entertainment through his phenomenal innovations and constant experimentation (he was the first artist to bring sci-fi elements into the music scene). His iconic androgynous appearance inspired numerous artists throughout the 1970s and ’80s, while Bowie’s impact at that time, as described by biographer David Buckley, challenged the core beliefs of the rock music of the day and created one of the biggest cults in popular culture. Always intriguing and controversial, Bowie enjoyed an illustrious career spanning six decades that saw him become one of the most successful entertainers of all time. With more than 140 million records sold worldwide, numerous awards—including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—and a musical legacy that will live forever, David Bowie left us just a few hours ago peacefully, surrounded by his family after an eighteen-month battle with cancer. So, the least we can do here at List25 is pay tribute to a musical genius and legend who made our world brighter with his music, lyrics, and image. These are 25 Compelling Facts You Should Know About David Bowie.

25

His first-ever release was “Liza Jane/Louie, Louie Go Home” in June 1964, under the name Davie Jones with The King Bees.

Source: nme.com, Image: Wikipedia

24

Bowie changed his real name (David Robert Jones) to avoid confusion with Davy Jones of The Monkees.

Source: nme.com, Image: Wikipedia

23

Bowie met his second wife—Somalian supermodel Iman—on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend.

Source: nme.com, Image: Wikipedia

22

American legend Bing Crosby, one of the biggest-selling artists of all time, recorded his last-ever single with Bowie. Their duet of “The Little Drummer Boy” was recorded for Christmas 1977 and would become a hit five years later, after Crosby’s death.

Source: nme.com, Image: Wikipedia

21

Bowie is widely known as a musician but he was also an actor. His first leading role was as a stranded alien in the 1976 film The Man Who Fell to Earth. Actually, in a scene that was shot in a record store, a poster for Young Americans can clearly be seen hanging from the ceiling.